Book of 2 Thessalonians

Chapters

Summary

Summary of the Book of 2 Thessalonians

This summary of the book of 2 Thessalonians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme,
theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Thessalonians.

Author, Date and Place of Writing

Paul's
authorship of 2 Thessalonians has been questioned more often than that of 1
Thessalonians, in spite of the fact that it has more support from early Christian
writers. Objections are based on internal factors rather than on the adequacy
of the statements of the church fathers. It is thought that there are differences
in the vocabulary (ten words not used elsewhere), in the style (it is said
to be unexpectedly formal) and in the eschatology (the doctrine of the "man
of lawlessness" is not taught elsewhere). However, such arguments have not
convinced current interpreters. A majority still hold to Paul's authorship
of 2 Thessalonians.

Because of its similarity to 1 Thessalonians, it must have been written not
long after the first letter -- perhaps about six months. The situation in the
church seems to have been much the same. Paul probably penned it (see 1:1; 3:17) c. a.d. 51 or 52 in Corinth, after Silas and Timothy had returned from
delivering 1 Thessalonians; see also Introduction to 1 Thessalonians).

Purpose

Inasmuch as the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially,
Paul's purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them.
He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers (1:4-10), (2) to correct a
misunderstanding concerning the Lord's return (2:1-12) and (3) to exhort the
Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living (2:13 -- 3:15).

Theme

Like 1 Thessalonians, this letter deals extensively with eschatology (see
Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Theme). In fact, in 2 Thessalonians 18 out of 47 verses deal with this subject.